Are You a Treadmill Talker?

I have two workout buddies , one I work out with during the week and one on the weekends. My weekday buddy and I chat while walking to the gym and getting ready, but then we divide and conquer once it’s time to work out. We both put in our headphones and go at it in silence. My weekend friend and I spend the first 20 minutes or so on side-by-side treadmills, StairMasters, or ellipticals catching up on life before splitting up to do our separate workouts. To talk, or not to talk? Personally, I don’t have a major preference either way. It’s definitely easier for me to focus on pushing myself when I’m not trying to chat in between breaths , but it also passes the time quicker - time flies when you’re having fun, right? What kind of workout partner are you? Are You a Treadmill Talker? Yes, I talk with friends while working out. No, I put my headphones in and stay in the zone. It depends on the day and the workout buddy.

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Are You a Treadmill Talker?

How Lauren Conrad, Fergie, and Jessica Szohr Get Beach-Ready

Just in time for bikini season is Us Weekly ’s “Hot Body” issue, which gives the lowdown on bikini secrets from stars like Lauren Conrad, Jessica Szohr, and Fergie. Here’s a sneak peek on what you’ll find inside: Jessica Szohr tells Us Weekly , “I watch what I eat during the week, and on weekends I kind of splurge. If you starve yourself, you’ll go nuts.” A typical day for Jessica might include an egg white breakfast, a salad for lunch, and pasta dinner. To stay in shape, Jessica takes kickboxing and yoga classes at Equinox . “My legs were a little muscular,” she says. “But yoga is one thing I do to look less bulky.” Find out what Lauren and Fergie said when you read more. Lauren Conrad keeps her meals small and frequent by spreading 1,500 calories between six meals each day. “When you’re trying to get in shape, it’s 70 percent diet,” says Lauren. The reality star skips processed foods, and opts for whole foods like fruit and lean proteins instead. She also hits the gym three times a week with longtime trainer Jarett del Bene . Lauren’s workout mixes punching and kickboxing moves with squats and other conditioning exercises. Fergie told Us Weekly that she had a lot of fun putting on the pounds for her role in Nine . Taking it off, not so much. To drop the weight, Fergie would do 90-minute workouts up to six days a week. With the weight off, Fergie hasn’t slowed down. “Now I want to push myself. I’m committed to being in shape.” To find out more about these stars and see what Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, and Cat Deeley do to get bikini-ready, pick up an issue of Us Weekly when it hits newsstands on Friday.

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How Lauren Conrad, Fergie, and Jessica Szohr Get Beach-Ready

Sunscreen: Healthy or Hazardous?

A few years ago, I went to the dermatologist to get a suspicious mole checked out on my back. The doctor agreed that it looked like it could be malignant, and I was so freaked out. I started to feel really bad that I hadn’t been better about using sunscreen every time I went outside. I was grateful that the mole wasn’t cancerous, but it was a huge wake-up call to me. Now I’m religious about slathering it on my whole family, all year round. But a recent report from the Environmental Working Group says that sunscreen is actually a health hazard, and that the chemicals it contains can “accelerate the growth of skin tumors or disrupt the intricate workings of your hormonal system.” They also believe that sunscreen gives us a false sense of security. We feel that sunscreen protects us from skin cancer, so we end up spending more time in the sun. Before you ditch your bottles, the American Academy of Dermatology disagrees, saying that sunscreen is indeed beneficial in helping prevent skin cancer. They do agree that not all sunscreens are created equal, and that most people don’t apply sunscreen as often as they should, and when they do, they don’t use enough. For tips on buying the safest sunscreen and how to apply it so you stay protected, read more. Look for labels that say “broad spectrum,” “wide spectrum,” or “UVA/UVB protection.” Older bottles may only protect against UVB rays, the ones responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancer, but you need UVA protection as well, since these rays lead to tanning, wrinkles, and skin cancers. As long as you store it in a cool, dry place with the cap on tightly, sunscreen should last up to three years . Just be sure to check the expiration date and be aware of any weird texture or smells. If the cap wasn’t on tight, spring for a new bottle. If you’re worried about chemicals, look for sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone . Here are some suggestions . Don’t skimp on the lotion. Use the amount that would fit in a shot glass to cover your entire body. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside, and re-apply every two hours, since sweating and swimming can wear off sunscreen, even the ones that are labeled as waterproof. Skin care giant Laroche Posay , makers of Anthelios sunscreen, have created the Save Our Skin campaign to remind us all to protect our skin. They have even declared today, May 27, National Sunscreen Day. I know I put my daily SPF on my face today. Did you?

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Sunscreen: Healthy or Hazardous?

You Asked: How to Get Started With Strength Training?

Cardio is great for your heart and lungs, builds endurance, and burns major calories to reduce overall body fat, but it doesn’t do much to sculpt your muscles or prevent injury. That’s where strength training and flexibility training come into play, but how do you get started? A FitSugar reader asked this question on Facebook . Dear Fit, I have been running consistently since the new year (I actually am following through with a resolution!). I run about three times a week. I’m hoping to incorporate some weight training/resistance/yoga. I know you run and practice yoga. How do you break it down during the week? - Looking to Tone Up This is a great question as I’m sure many people want to get stronger, more sculpted muscles, but aren’t sure how. To hear what I suggest read more. First of all, nice work on keeping up with the running since January! Now that you’re ready to start incorporating some strengthening and stretching moves into your routine, my best advice is to start off nice and easy. Eventually you should work up to two to three sessions per week, but adding in one session at first is a good way to start. Don’t overdo it in the beginning and try to do 50 push-ups on your first day. Your muscles need time to adjust to the new demands you’re placing on them, so start off with easy moves and fewer reps to avoid injury and post-workout pain known as DOMS . Being super sore makes many folks stop strength training. Right now I do cardio about three to four times a week, and after each sweat session, I do strength training and stretching. It breaks down to 30 to 40 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of strength training, and 15 minutes of stretching. I also take two yoga classes per week, usually on days that I don’t do cardio. Some people prefer breaking up their cardio and strengthening sessions, so they alternate days. You can break it down in whatever way works for you. There are several ways you can tone your muscles: with machines, dumbbells, resistance bands , kettlebells, medicine balls, exercise balls , or your own body weight. If you belong to a gym, have one of the employees show you how to safely use the equipment. Or if you’re not into hitting the weight room, see if there’s a strength training class offered at your gym. You might find it easier to have someone talk you through a toning routine. Plus it’s a great way to learn new and effective moves. Last but not least, you can learn some moves from a fitness DVD . Good luck and happy training.

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You Asked: How to Get Started With Strength Training?

[Forum] Do Changes in Weather Cause Weight Fluctuations?

i always thought if you excerise hard everyday you can eat whatever you want because you will work it right off. well that maynot be true……… hi i am 30yrs. old with one child. i been exercising consistently for about 4yrs. i do agree sometimes change is good. However, i used to weigh 230lbs and i am little under 5′10. i workout and i have been for about 4yrs now. i had got down to 170 to 175. i have been running about 4mi a day because running is the quickest way to lose weight and its better than being indoors on treadmill. sometimes depending on the time i have available i will run 2 - 3mi. or 6mi. but most of time its 4mi. everyday during the week. every winter i tend to pick up weight and this winter i am having more of a problem of getting my weight back down under 180. now it flunctuates from 185 to 190. i do understand during the winter it gets cold for us in the south so i don’t run as hard as i would during the summer and plus you sweat more in the summer. my mom tells me i should change my diet during the winter and then when the summer comes around i can go back to just eating what i want. some people say that you cannot eat what you want and expect to lose weight but apparently i have been with no problem. i really think i am gaining weight because of the change in weather and not being able to exercise as hard as i would like as during the summer. i kind of like to run because i feel that whatever i eat i can run it off and plus it keeps the metabolism up. i hoping that this summer as gets hotter and i continue to run that my weight will reduce back if not i am going to be very disappointed. people say i should change up my workout routine, which i do. i do taebo often on days that its either raining, cold or if i am just tired. primarily i always thought that running or jogging would be the most effective and quickest way to take off the weight and keep it off. also it makes your calves look AWESOME in heels. I’m open for some advice. what is the problem is it just me or will i be gaining my weight back. i never want to be overweight again thats why i can run everyday. for the last few years i had not had a problem with keeping my weight between 170-175 sometimes 180 during the holidays but now i have increased to 185-190 and i still try to excerise whether its running my 4mi. or doing my taebo everyday.. please some advice. i want my ideal weight back regardless if i am tall and big boned lol….

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[Forum] Do Changes in Weather Cause Weight Fluctuations?

Weight Loss: How to Eat Slowly

Sometimes, often times in fact, there’s truth behind an old wives’ tale. Take the idea that eating slowly can aid weight loss. We’ve all heard the advice, and now here’s the science. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endrocrinology and Metabolism discovered that when participants ate an ice cream over the course of 30 minutes, they had higher levels of gut hormones that trigger satiety, than those who ate the ice cream in 5 minutes. Continue reading…

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Weight Loss: How to Eat Slowly

Do You Eat the Same Thing For Breakfast Every Day?

I’m not sure I’d define myself as a creature of habit, but I definitely love to eat the same thing for breakfast most days. Cereal and fruit with milk or yogurt has the perfect combination of healthy carbs, fiber, and protein, so it gives me energy for late morning workouts and keeps my belly satisfied until lunch. I mix up the cereals and fruit I eat, so it feels different to me, but it’s just so easy that I’ve stuck with it for a while. On the weekends, I do stray from my cereal bowl since the fam likes to have pancakes or eggs. What about you? Do You Eat the Same Thing For Breakfast Every Day? Yes, I eat the same thing for breakfast every day. I eat the same thing during the week, but change it up on the weekend. No, I always change up my breakfast choices. I don’t eat breakfast.

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Do You Eat the Same Thing For Breakfast Every Day?

Cookbook Review: Quick From Scratch Chicken Cookbook

The latest book from Food & Wine , Quick from Scratch Chicken Cookbook ($25), might be dedicated entirely to chicken, but it is by no means boring. We all know that chicken is a wonderful lean protein, but cooking a boneless, skinless breast can become awfully dull. This cookbook is the antidote to monotonous chicken. With lovely photos accompanying every recipe, it is easy to become inspired flipping through its pages. Many of the recipes seem healthy, but the cookbook doesn’t include any nutritional breakdown of the recipes, which is my only criticism of this book. Since chicken is such a versatile protein and can be cooked a variety of ways, the cookbook is organized around all the different cooking techniques making it easy to find recipes to try. Being summertime, I was drawn to the section devoted to grilling. I made the Tandoori chicken, and it was a hit. My girls loved it and it impresses dinner guests repeatedly. The major bonus is it’s easy. Check out the recipe when you read more. Grilled Chicken Tandoori Quick From Scratch Chicken Cookbook by Food and Wine Ingredients 1 chicken (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), cut into 8 pieces with skin removed 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 cup plain yogurt 2 large garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger 1 1/4 teaspoons ground coriander 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 3 tablespoons cooking oil Directions Light the grill. Using a sharp knife, cut shallow incisions in the chicken pieces at about 1/2-inch intervals. In a large, glass dish or stainless-steel pan, combine the lemon juice, water, salt, and turmeric. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Let the chicken pieces marinate for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, and cayenne. Add to the chicken and lemon mixture; turn to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Grill the chicken over moderately high heat, basting with oil, for 10 minutes. Turn and cook, basting with the remaining oil, until just done, about 10 minutes longer for the breasts, 12 for the thighs and drumsticks. Print recipe with images | without images When I make this dish for my family, I omit the cayenne pepper - my daughters’ young palates can’t tolerate the heat - the end result is still quite tasty. You can also make kabobs with this recipe using four to five chicken breasts. If you’re interested, pick up a copy of the cookbook from Amazon . Source

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Cookbook Review: Quick From Scratch Chicken Cookbook